She said: “I’m very pleased. Shoreham Beach residents have campaigned for this for a long time.”

The Adur District Council-led project will see the public realm on the south side of the river given ‘a major facelift’, according to councillor Loader.

The scheme will create a plant-lined pathway for pedestrians and cyclists linking the bridge to a public space, which will overlook the River Adur and have a new seating area.

Lower Beach car park will be re-configured, with an increased number of parking bays.

A repositioned pedestrian crossing will join the pathway and public space to Ferry Road, which will be improved by creating wider pavements to allow alfresco seating for cafes and lined with trees and benches.

The overall effect will be an improved walkway linking Shoreham town centre and Shoreham Beach.

The work is expected to take 22 weeks to complete.

There will still be access for cyclists and pedestrians during this time but the car park is out of action.

“But people are so glad the work has began, they’re not moaning,” said councillor Joss Loader, “It’s all positive.”

West Sussex County Council has also confirmed the damaged glass panels on the Adur Ferry Bridge will be fixed next month.

Since the bridge opened, 19 panels have been damaged or destroyed by vandals, according to the county council. Grafitti and paint has also been daubed on the panels, posts and deck.

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said: “We will start replacing the damaged panels on Monday, October 10.

“All parties have agreed to install improved CCTV coverage and we are currently investigating funding opportunities.”

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